Nina Lemos, a Lake Nona High School (LNHS) student, has painted a new mural at Innovation Middle School. The mural, a stunning piece of artwork designed by Nina herself, is of the Innovation Middle School Crest and resides in front of the administration lobby. I was able to talk to Nina and her mother, Sonia, about Nina’s involvement with the mural and her future artistic pursuits.
- How did Nina get involved with painting the mural?
My friend Phyllis Kalil and I were talking about how the school needs school spirit. Since it was brand new, there wasn’t much decorating on the walls of the building. The principal had discussed wanting a mural in the past. Considering Nina’s talent, Phyllis asked me, “What about Nina, can she paint a mural?” I asked Nina if she was available and willing, and she said she would be happy to do it.
Nina, Phyllis and I met with principal Dr. (Hector) Maestre. As he was excited at the idea, he looked at Nina’s sketches and suggested the school crest, and Nina obliged. Phyllis was able to get a paint donation from Sherwin-Williams. Nina started drawing the mural free hand on an early Monday morning.
- What inspired her to paint the mural?
Meeting with the principal.
- How long did it take her to paint it?
Six days, about four hours a day.
- At what age did Nina express an interest in art?
Nina expressed interest in art from a very young age. She always loved drawing in elementary school and began her artistic career self-taught when she got deeper into the skill as she aged.
- What would she like to do when she’s an adult?
Nina would like to be a digital designer when she’s an adult. She is in the Digital Media Collegiate academy and is taking classes at the high school, which helped her understand programs so she could begin graphic design. Nina has already completed many designs using computer software, some of which are award winning, and is very grateful for the experience that she can take into college.
- What was her favorite part about painting the mural?
Her favorite part about painting the mural was seeing it all come together in the end, after the several coats of paint and hours of work.
- What’s Nina up to next?
Building her portfolio and becoming a better artist, and hopefully being able to expand her talent beyond high school and into social media, college, etc.
You can find more of Nina’s work at @ninasportfolio on Instagram.
